EFSD and Novo Nordisk Foundation Future Leaders Award Programme
5-year career development funding for clinical and basic scientists (7–12 years post-degree) in European diabetes research; up to DKK 5 million (~€670,000) to the institution, application via the EFSD program portal.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to identify outstanding clinical and basic scientists in European diabetes research at a critical career stage, support them in transitioning to a permanent academic position, and develop them into the leaders of tomorrow.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries (PI, Technical Staff, Postdocs)
- Direct Research Expenses
- Administrative Support (up to 5% of the total amount)
Non-eligible expenses
- Overhead costs
- Value-added tax
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- 7–12 years of experience since completion of the last qualification (PhD/MD)
- Employment at a university, hospital, or non-profit research institution in Europe or associated countries
- Proof of independent research activity and leadership potential
- Compliance with EFSD guidelines and regulations
Documents required for application
- Letter of Motivation (max. 3 pages)
- Letter of Support from the Institution
- Two Letters of Support from Senior Researchers
- Research Project Description (max. 8 pages Research Plan)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages)
- Detailed Financing Plan and Budget
- Proof of Non-Profit Status of the Host Organization
- Signatures and Declaration Form
- Collaborative Arrangement Letters
Evaluation criteria
- Motivation and career plan
- Scientific excellence of the project
- Leadership potential
- Previous competitive funding
- Performance in the interview
Description
The EFSD and Novo Nordisk Foundation Future Leaders Award Programme offers a five-year career development grant for outstanding clinical and basic scientists in European diabetes research. Funding is provided to researchers 7–12 years after completing their PhD or MD degrees, who are employed at universities, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions in Europe or associated countries. The aim is to identify talent at this critical career stage, support the transition to a permanent academic position, and establish future leaders in diabetes research. Up to four awards are granted annually, each over five years with funding of up to DKK 5 million (approx. €670,000), disbursed in annual installments of up to DKK 1 million (approx. €134,000).
Eligible costs include salaries (PI, scientific staff, postdocs), direct research expenses, and administrative support (max. 5% of the total amount). Overhead costs and VAT are not reimbursed. Applications are evaluated based on the scientific excellence of the project, motivation and career plan, leadership potential, previous competitive funding, and interview performance. Required documents include, among others, a Letter of Motivation, Research Plan, two Letters of Support from senior researchers, CV, and a detailed budget plan. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the EFSD programme portal. The deadline is 2 March 2026, 12:00 CET; project start is planned from July 2026. The award is administratively managed by the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes, with funds disbursed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
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